Organic Pink Lady

2011-12-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Gotye- Somebody That I Used To Know

2011-12-28T21:56:00.003-07:00

I'm sorta having a mini obsession session over this song and video.
Watch the painting move all over those bodies.

I heard from friends in Europe that this song is making it HUGE over there.
It may be big over here on the North American continent too,
but I guess I live under a rock sometimes, so I wouldn't know ;) Jason Bieber who?

I think Gotye (pronounced gore-ti-yeah) is Belgian, or Australian. It's a little difficult to tell.
Guest appearance by Kimbra.

Happy Holiday From Organic Pink Lady!

2011-12-25T18:40:00.001-07:00

2012 Trailer Camper Caravan Calendar

2011-12-08T21:36:00.015-07:00

Check out my new calendar design for 2012!

Who can resist cute vintage airstreams and campers?

So many adventures happen in these happy colorful trailers all year long.
Do you love it? You can find it in my Etsy Shop right now :)

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Holy Confetti Birdbaths and Cupcakes!

2011-03-23T17:17:00.010-06:00

It's Springtime! And I'm super honored and happy to let you know that Organic Pink Lady is a Featured Artist at Firefly Handmade's Springtime Market. It'll be on April 9-10th up at Historic Chautauqua in collaboration with The Makerie - what is sure to be an inspiring creative retreat. They even have a shoe making class. Shoe making, peeps! So if you're a local or visiting beautiful Boulder, Colorado, early April, come on by for a slice of Handmade Happy Heaven ;)

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Illustration Friday on Monday Afternoon

2011-02-21T18:28:00.032-07:00

It has been aaages since I've contributed to IF. This week's theme is "layer".
A good handful of my paintings are layer or stack-like, aren't they.

This time I thought I'd share a couple of sketches from a page in my sketch book, where (yes, my sketch book is a place) I sit for hours and hours engrossed in creating and following invisible lines, colors and rhythms, rendering them visible. When I sketch, if I'm not out in the world, I like to sit at my drafting table, or on a couch, surrounded by pens, watercolors and colored pencils of all varieties. I love having them all at my finger tips, that way I can scan the array of colors and textures available and pick up the one that matches the moment :)

Make sure to check out all the amazing work on Illustration Friday!

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Feliz Ano Novo! Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T17:17:00.016-07:00

Can you see the two million people on the beach and street? That's New Years in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, friends. In my opinion, it's the very best New Years in the entire world. Everyone wears white, lights candles on the beach, jumps over 7 waves on one foot while making a wish, throws flowers in the ocean for the goddess of the sea and then the fireworks are beyond spectacular.

The best part, though, is the absolute love that can't help but explode between strangers. You really do feel part of a huge human family and you kiss and hug as many of those strangers (and your own friends and loved ones too, of course ;) as you can. Then you dance on the street all night, watch the sunrise and walk back to your Vovó's apartment. You wish her good morning and a Happy New Year, wrap her in billions of love, and go to bed.

It is in this spirit that I Thank You for being a friend of Organic Pink Lady this past year. I appreciate your enthusiasm, support, friendship and encouragement more than you can imagine. Thank you. May all of our truest dreams be realized in this dawning decade.

Love,
Juliette

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A Flowering Tree

2010-12-27T12:22:00.022-07:00

Here are the ornaments I made for my Ornament Swap friends. There were 10 different designs. I made them double sided with a gold thread sandwiched between the two sides for hanging. You can sort of see almost all of them in the photos.

That was fun :)

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Tiny Tree with Teeny Tiny Lights with Handmade Ornaments

2010-12-26T15:51:00.019-07:00

This tiny tree (the tip of my friends' tree) is my Xmas tree this year. It's only about 2.5 feet tall but I did string teeny tiny lights on it. What a sweet Xmas it has been, sitting around my tree, basking in all of its darlingness, several times a day and night. I've especially enjoyed all the handmade ornaments I received! I didn't even bring out any of my other ornaments! The second swap in which I participated was organized by Nicole of freshlyblended. There were 10 of us in my group.

From left to right, Thank You:
1. Gabrielle 2. Courtney 3. Theresa
4. Annie 5. Kelly 6. Susan
7. Krisi 8. Claresa and 9. Suzi

What fun! It was like Xmas in my mailbox for a full couple of weeks! Thank you, everyone! I love them all :)

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Ornament Swap

2010-12-18T23:47:00.013-07:00

Recently, my studio has spread from "the studio", to a table in another room, to a couch, to yet another table and, the floor in another room! Ah, the holidays, what fun it has been to make and send off so many packages. Three of my packages were sent to Lola, Louise and Annette. I don't know these wonderful people in person, but I made and sent them each an ornament. And Annette, Bree and Jennifer don't know me personally either, but they made and sent me an ornament each! It was

The

organized by the ever creative Louise Gale! Our challenge was to create 3 ornaments using only red, green or gold (black and white were allowed as well). I'll show you the ones I made, but first, marvel at the amazing ones I received!

This one was made by Annette, in Australia :)

And this one by Bree :)

And this one by Jennifer Phillips :)

Thank you Annette, Bree and Jennifer!

It's ALL about LOVE

2010-12-15T12:30:00.017-07:00

Give Love! Don't be afraid! Give your Love away! It'll be okay! Love is Life!

I Love this song and animation by MC Yogi
The colors, the sound, the words, the everything.

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This One Is For Cyclists

2010-12-08T23:41:00.018-07:00

Know any cyclists? Know any cyclists who looove climbing mountains? Know any cyclists who looove climbing mountains that get steeper and steeper, where their only companions are the pikas?

Something like

this :) ?

This is a card I designed for Organic Pink Lady. You can get it right here.
There are two slightly different versions in the set. If you'd like more than one of either design or both designs, awesome! Just let me know.

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It's never too late to send Festive Greetings!

2010-12-01T23:43:00.054-07:00

Oooo I've been busy stocking my little online shop with lots of cards recently.
There are 12 "Festive Trees", printed as "posting cards", from a collection of 36.

I may have a few more printed, we'll see.

Do you know what "posting cards" are? I think I made the term up.
Essentially, they're part postcard, as in you write on the reverse side,
yet they're part greeting card, in that you send them in envelopes.

They're sort of like prints too. Special.

You could even give one, or an assorted set, as a lovely gift.

I listed 3 sets of 4 different cards. Most of them you can get individually too.
If you'd like a particular design/number, I'm happy to accommodate pretty much any request.

In fact, if you'd like regular folding cards instead of "posting cards", well, no problem,
they're absolutely sweet as folded cards too.

There are lots of other goodies in my Etsy Shop. Come visit :)

Happy December, friends. I love December.

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And ... we're open!

2010-11-15T23:23:00.010-07:00

My little online Art Shop is back in business, Friends! To celebrate its opening, I'd like to introduce you to Organic Pink Lady's first ever 2011 Desk Calendar.

I'm quite pleased and proud of how it turned out. Each month features a different design by me and all 12 months fit sweetly into a CD case that flips back to sit on a flat surface. I hope you love it too!

Please help me spread the word of its existence, as in a couple of months it will no longer be available. You can send your friends, family or coworkers a link to my site: http://www.OrganicPinkLady.com or a link directly to my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/organicpinklady (PS. I love shipping internationally). Thank you! Any help you can offer in getting the word out about my online presence and shop is greatly appreciated! Here's to a wonderful beginning!

I'll be adding more goodies to the shop everyday for a while. Mini drawing journals and coloring books, fabric ornaments, customizable holiday cards, glossy cards, new prints and maybe even some original paintings.

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Here's a Sneak Peek

2010-10-29T21:33:00.010-06:00

at Organic Pink Lady's 2011 Desk Calendar in process!
(and a few gift tags in the mix ;)
It'll be ready any day now. It's going to be sweet. It'll all fit into an adorable CD case which will flip back to sit nicely on a flat surface. The Calendar will kick off the re-opening of my Etsy Shop. SOOOPER HOOORAY! I'll be adding new items regularly all month ... new Prints, Holiday Postcards, my Cupcake Bobbles, Notecards, Sticker Sets, a Mini Coloring Book or two and maybe even a few Fabric Sculptures. Stay tuned :)

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Sewing Is Like Construction

2010-09-15T13:54:00.015-06:00

Supplies Roll-Up
This project, the "fruit roll up", as I tend to call it, is something I've wanted to make for a very long time. And of course, probably for that reason, it was one of the more challenging ones so far. But really, sewing, I've realized, at this stage anyway, is like construction. You just attach one piece to another piece, in the right order, avec beaucoup de patience, and voilá, you've made something! It's quite satisfying and the process is completely different to how I paint. It is true that there are painters who paint this way, (they think, they plan, they lay it all out and construct their paintings), it's just not the way I paint these days. I suppose as one becomes more skilled and confident in front of the sewing machine, one may become more free to improvise, adding and subtracting in the moment.
See how "the fruit roll-up" works?
In this case I rolled up all the different pens I use to sign my paintings.

Pencil Case
This is the second reason I wanted to learn to sew. Who can resist an adorable zippered pouch?
I can't believe I installed a zipper.

What is this called? A Pot Holder?
But it's not one of those things on which you place a pot. It's one of those things you use to take hot pans out of hot ovens. Anyway, I combined the 'pot holder' and 'bib' projects and came up with my first me-made pattern. Sewing over super thick and bumpy bias tape was very challenging. I completely redid it at least 3 times. I see now, why so many are so fond of their 'seam rippers' ;)
And here's the back. Made of a piece of dark jeans.
I'm happy to be sewing/making things! It's not that hard if you're patient with yourself and have detailed instructions designed for your level of expertise. Finding a way to roll those things up in your Supplies Roll-Up ;) might be the trickiest part of learning a new skill though.

(See Project 1)
(See Projects 2+3)

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Feeling Like a Total Rock Star

2010-09-06T14:27:00.019-06:00

Project 2
A Drawstring Pouch.
The top blue fabric used to be pants.
It's amazing how perfectly the color matches the blue in the print fabric.
See, you can carry your drawing pad and markers in it :)
Project 3
A Tote Bag.
I managed to line it. Not entirely sure how I did that but it worked!
So pretty, isn't it.
(See Project 1)

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meet Sven :)

2010-08-31T14:45:00.020-06:00

This is Sven, my 1970's Swedish sewing machine.

And look what we made:
A double sided napkin!
I can sew, by hand. As a child I used to go to a little (really, she was little) old (really, she was old) English lady's house after school once a week and she taught me to embroider. How I loved making beautiful things. Unfortunately, I don't have a single piece of the work I did then, but it was really nice.

My only encounter with a sewing machine was in Girl Scouts when they helped us sew an apron. I remember being nervous, but so excited to sew by machine. It was awesome. I was so amazed with my creation that since that very day, I have been wondering when and how I'd learn to sew by machine again.

Fast forward at least a couple of decades; I was gifted with a machine (yup, that would be Sven). For two, maybe three, years after receiving my gift, it sat in the corner of my living room, as I was too afraid to use it! I thought I'd never understand all of its complexities and possibilities, all of its dials & stitches, different needles, fabrics and thread varieties. I was sure it would be a horrendously frustrating, sad, lonely and disappointing ordeal. My feelings weren't logical, of course, as I've taught myself numerous skills by sheer imagination and trial & error, yet the sewing machine still remained an enigma to me.

Sometimes I'd lift off its cover, look at it lovingly, then close it back up again with a sigh. I'd imagine all the things I wanted to make. I'd leaf through beautiful instructional books, trying to understand. I'd drool at other people's beautiful creations and I'd even go to the fabric store and make mental notes of all the fabrics and prints I liked. Then finally, last Xmas, I was gifted once again. A seamstress friend of mine generously came over and showed me how to thread the machine and how to wind the bobbin (good job I didn't even know about the existence of the bobbin until that very moment). She told me a little about needles & thread and didn't seem freaked out at all. Then we fiddled with "the tension". All I can say is thank goodness I had absolutely no idea I had to worry about "tension" all of those years!

Anyway, I listened carefully, appreciating every moment of this blessing, especially her calm confidence in front of The Sewing Machine. That was 8 months ago and just last week I signed up for a short on-line class. Yes, me, the non-believer in on-line education (that's another post), signed up for an on-line sewing class! I did it two weeks after it had already started, (illogical feelings again), but I did it!

Wow.

Here's a sneak preview of project number 2 in the making :)

Only 22 more or so to go!

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Pencil Sculpture

2010-08-22T19:00:00.012-06:00

Some of us passed notes and doodled on every scrap of paper while in school,
some of us carved pencils. Look at what Dalton Ghetti can do now!
Pretty impressive!

AND I was pleasantly surprised to read that he's originally from Brasil. He even has words of wisdom about how a change of attitude helped him successfully complete more pieces. I'll have to sit with his idea and apply it to some of my projects and "intentions".

The picture above is of one single pencil, peeps. Isn't it amazing.

Last year I wrote about Willard Wigan. His work is definitely worth another look this year. The original video posted is no longer available, but if you click on his name in that post, you'll be linked to a few videos on his site. I've watched them all at least a couple of times. Wow. It makes it ever more clear to me that no matter what we do, as children or adults, we ought to be encouraged and given lots of room and space in which to follow our passion. It's clear that the experiences and lessons gained are profound, worthy, and many.

I can't wait to see Dalton Ghetti's long 10 year piece complete.
I'm sure it'll be memorable.

PS. Thank you to my friend Karen Symons for first posting about this artist :)

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What's Your Sentence?

2010-08-02T18:37:00.015-06:00

Besides the happy fact that the author's last name is PINK,
this is one of my favorite videos. I love the first question:

What is your Sentence?

What are you about? What is your life about? What is it you're creating of yourself? It's a worthwhile question. I've watched this video several times and each time I come closer to understanding what the question is and as a result closer to understanding what my sentence is. I feel an excitement, a scintillation, shimmer through my body as I allow the veils to fall and myself to become more clear. How about you? What's your sentence?

And then there is the second question:

Was I better today than yesterday?

It's like working from the end; It's like envisioning your success and then filling it in with the daily life that creates the fulfillment of the goal you've set for this lifetime. I think we know what we want to experience in our time here on earth, our sentences have always driven our journeys, yet asking ourselves to consciously remember and state them to ourselves and/or others, may help us stay on course.

<3

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IslandLovely

2010-08-01T17:59:00.018-06:00

©Fito Gordo

My friend Fito is an avid sailor and not long ago he was in Ilhabela for the Rolex Ilhabela Sailing Week. Ilhabela is in Brasil, in the state of São Paulo, where I, actually, we, grew up. Yup, Fito and I have known each other since 3rd grade, maybe it was 4th grade. Ilhabela literally translates as IslandLovely. The picture above was taken by Fito and is absolutely beautiful to me ... those dreamy blues, the mirage-like quality, the light reflecting off those billowing sails, the flatter ones intermingled. Oh how I love it. And then there's that PINK! sail, oh my. I could watch this picture all day long, so I couldn't help but ask Fito if I could share it with you here. I may ask him if I can show you one more from his IlhaBela album. Fingers crossed he'll say yes! It's gorgeous as well, but different. Stay tuned!

PS. Please feel free to leave Fito a comment under this post or join us on FACEBOOK:)

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P R O C R A S T I N A T I O N

2010-07-23T16:00:00.003-06:00

It's 4 o'clock in the afternoon in Boulder, Colorado.
As I was wondering whether I was going to accomplish anything (anything at all) today,
I came across this BRILLIANT animation. Perfect.

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Continuous ...

2010-07-20T15:03:00.037-06:00

I just found this painting in my studio and was surprised. It obviously didn't make the cut when I was choosing paintings to show off. I don't know what I didn't see in it way back then. I love it now! I wish you could see it. A scan has absolutely nothing on an original. A scan is just an idea of the actual painting; all luscious nuance of color, brushstroke, and layer, mostly gone. That said, it is nice to be able to show you a glimpse of it anyway :)

When I was about 10, I drew a picture of a flower, a big daisy-esque flower on white drawing paper, whilst visiting my grandmother. I didn't think it was very good though so I threw it away. For years and years, every time somebody commented on it, hanging, framed, in her living room, my grandmother would tell the story of how she fished it out of the lixo (lixo is Portuguese for trash)! What a sweet love lesson she taught me.

These days in my studio, no finished painting ever gets the bin treatment. If it's finished, it stays, whether I'm enamored of it at the time or not.

How do I know when a painting is "finished" or "complete"? This is something that every artist must figure out for him/herself. The moment tends to be elusive. I know it by a sound, a feeling, a sensation. I call it a Zing. I play with this Zing sometimes too, moving it around according to whatever it is that I'm investigating as a painter.

Unfinished paintings will eventually be revisited. Even if it starts out, for eg, looking like an horse, and ends up looking like a spaceship, it's the same painting. All the layers of color, shape and brushstroke, inform and transform each other continuously; the underlayers as much a part of the painting as what you see on the surface. It's certainly not like throwing a painting in the trash and starting over with a blank. It's continuous. We're continuous.

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There's a difference!

2010-07-15T16:28:00.009-06:00

"Workaholic? Brokers and salesmen are workaholics.
Artists are obsessed. There's a difference."

Yuuup.

This is one of my favorite cartoons.
Are you as amused by it as I am? Hahah!
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Are you afraid of framing?

2010-07-13T12:19:00.029-06:00

No need. It can be super easy. The easiest option is to take your newly owned piece of art to a professional framer. Although more costly than buying a ready-made frame, most of them are framing artists and can help you decide on colors and sizes. I particularly like framing my pieces in oversized white or off white mats. I love how the extra space around the painting adds "breath" to the experience. It's all personal preference though.

For example, many I even like framing without a mat. I have several that are just floating in glass. You can also have your painting floating on a mat board without the window cut into it. The sweet thing about these "floating" options, in some cases, is that you get to see the ragged edges of the painting which is often charming, in my opinion.

Professionally framed pieces can really make the painting look stunning. If you love the piece of work, go for it! As long as the art is still the art, as opposed to the frame.

That said, I know that for some of us, having art professionally framed is not an option, as it is more costly than finding ready-made frames. Don't worry though, in no way does this mean your piece will look any less stunning! Some of my favorite pieces are framed in ready-made frames I found very inexpensively! If you're in the US, check places like: Michaels and Hobby Lobby (craft stores), Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, World Market (called Cost Plus in some places), Pier I, Ikea, and Pottery Barn.

Also, have you heard of do-it-yourself frame shops? I've not personally framed anything this way but it sounds like a fabulous idea. They're frame shops where you pick out your frame and style, are shown the ropes, and then use their materials to frame the piece yourself. I understand framing this way is more affordable than having a professional framer do the job, yet you're free to have mats and frames cut to your particular creative dimensions. This may be great in cases when you can't afford to have a piece professionally framed, but your painting is an odd size and doesn't fit in any of the ready-made frames or the styles you see out there just don't work for you.

Check out the possibilities! Framing need not be what prevents you from owning art, originals on paper or prints. Have fun!

PS. I get no kick-backs from linking to the stores. The links are just there to inspire you with your framing <3

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Well, it's the day after ...

2010-07-06T13:05:00.019-06:00

All in all, participating in my first Cherry Creek Arts Festival was a GREAT experience. I loved talking with everyone who came to my booth. I think that was one of my favorite parts of the Festival, along with selling my pieces, of course. It felt wonderful to have people love them enough to want to take them home with them. My work is certainly made to be owned by people other than myself.

I received so much overwhelmingly positive feedback. I think I must have said "Thank You" at least three hundred thousand times! I especially loved the kids, who made beelines for my booth, and spent time intently looking and looking. Almost all of them made wonderfully insightful and even profound comments. One little guy even sat down in the chair next to me for a chat. They were absolutely certain about which were their favorites and even why.

I thought I'd sleep for a week after the weeks and weeks (and weeks) of preparing for this show and after the days and nights (and nights) in a row of not sleeping, filled with working and working (and working), but I'm already up and researching where to take my work next. I have a HUGE body of work. I didn't really realize just how much I had until I took most it to the show and began hanging. I could have many shows! That's what happens when a couple of years ago I made a commitment to painting everyday it is possible :)

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Cherry Creek Arts Festival is this week-end!

2010-07-01T15:31:00.021-06:00

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Remember that "My First Big Deal Art Show!" I was all excited about? Well, it's here. It's now. It's this week-end! By the end of tonight (whenever that will be?!) I'll be ready to pack up and leave the hut (my house/studio) to get on the road toward Cherry Creek, Denver! At least I'm in excellent company. I love my paintings and every time I see or handle them, I see something else about them that I like. It even surprises me. If you can't make it to the Festival, I'll be tweeting and FB'ing from my booth to let you know how it's all going. If you do, I'm in booth E5. Yes Please! Do come down and see me! Okay, back to scanning and double stick taping and labeling :) See you this week-end! E5.

That's the front and back of my new Business Card!
They just arrived today ;)

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Virtual Choir

2010-04-20T15:20:00.015-06:00

If at first I felt the virtualness of this choir a little freaky scary, I soon melted into its immense gorgeousness. It truly touches my heart to see people come together to participate, contribute, and make the beauty of the whole. Look at those faces, soul shining through to the outside.

"Lux Aurumque" was composed and conducted by Eric Whitacre. He merged tracks recorded and uploaded to YouTube by 185 people from 12 countries.

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Last Two of Eight

2010-04-19T12:44:00.005-06:00

WinterTree
FireTree
Here are the last two, completing this series, at least for the moment. That was fun. I really like WinterTree. Oh, and see what else is new? Up top you can see the whole series together by clicking on the Tree Series tab. Cool, hey. I don't know how long I'll keep it or what I'll add but I like it for now :)

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Two of Last Four

2010-04-18T12:43:00.004-06:00

LovelyTree
JazzTree
Here are 2 of the last 4 of this tree series. By the way, if ever a title for one of my paintings occurs to you, please do let me know! My friend, Bethany, titled this one and I LOVE it!

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Two More!

2010-02-18T14:26:00.008-07:00

SavannahTree
WaterTree
I didn't intentionally set out to paint a series of trees. I paint what happens. Looking at them together though, I began to notice what they had in common. It seemed to me that they (the last 4 I've shown you and there are 4 more coming) all have a certain treeness about them. I do love trees, so it's not surprising that what's in my heart, is painted out. Then again, maybe they're not trees. The one I've titled (always subject to change) 'WaterTree' often looks like balloons to me, or seaweed, or an amoeba, or funny people or a big storm.

What do you see?

I'd love a child or writer to be drawn in by this magic and write a short story inspired by this painting.

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Two New Paintings

2010-02-07T20:55:00.008-07:00

ReflectiveTree
SufiTree
These two are acrylic on paper 9x9". I think I'll be mounting them onto wood panel boxes. I love painting on paper. Things happen on paper that don't happen on canvas. The trade-off is that then I have to think about mounting and/or framing them.
I hope you like these :) I'm loving this series. There are more to show you soon!

Do you have a Dream Today?

2010-01-18T15:28:00.038-07:00

MLK had a dream.
What's your dream? Everybody has a dream.
Welcome to Planet Earth. What's your dream?

Go on! Tell me what you want what you really really want. (sorry, couldn't resist:)
I thought I was well on top of 'what I want' until my beloved 14 year old friend made the above poster and gave it to me, very intentionally. To me, her direct question implied that perhaps there was more to know about 'what I want'. (Plus, do you see that underline? And that big intense question mark?)

So I've been asking more of myself. What is it really, that I'm doing here? What is it really that I want to hitch my heart to? What is it really that I want to give? What is it really that I want to receive? What is it really that I want to create? What is it really that I want to live? What is it really that I want to experience?

I ask. I listen. I let all those answers go. And ask again ... what is it that I really want? As I relax, I sink more deeply beneath each layer. As I do, listening becomes ever more still and scintillating. As I approach the heart of my truth, a melding happens ... wanting begins to dissolve as I become what I am.

Try it. Hitch the heart of your being to what you want, to what you are. In time, it will speak through you into physical expression.

Okay ... too much already? Let's just take it from the top ...

Now the question is put to you.
Delve as deeply into the ocean as you'd like.
Now is the time.
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Cherry Creek Arts Festival!

2010-01-14T13:28:00.014-07:00

I'm immensely honored and thrilled to announce that my art was selected to be part of the 20th Anniversary Cherry Creek Arts Festival! The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is a big deal. There were 2250 applicants, of which 230 were selected. Only 27 of those are from Colorado and I'm one of them! There are only 8 of us in my particular category, Emerging Artist!

I'm grateful for this opportunity to show my work and gain some experience in the art of showing and selling my art out in the Big Wide World (not just in the Big Wide Web :) Yipee! Can't wait!
The Festival takes place on the
3rd 4th and 5th of July in Denver.
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Exciting Good News!

2010-01-12T13:51:00.011-07:00

Stay Tuned!
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What Will You?

2010-01-05T14:08:00.011-07:00

What a sweet Wish Encourager!
(At least that's what I'm calling it!)
Try it out! Be inspired.
Life always begins anew.
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Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T14:40:00.015-07:00

Happy New Year.
Happy New Decade.
Full Moon.
Blue Moon.
May all our heart's desires come true!
<3
PS. A Blue Moon is the 2nd Full Moon in a month. It happens rarely. The last one, before our NYE 2009 one, was in 1990. The next one will be in 2028!

Sign Up To Receive Occasional News!

2009-12-16T16:26:00.012-07:00

Organic Pink Lady's first ever Newsletter is going to be sent out REALLY soon! It will always be short & sweet, just the highlights. Give it a try! You can opt out at any time, no worries!

Here's How It Happened

2009-12-08T14:36:00.009-07:00

I stacked mySpanish/PortugueseEnglishFrench/EnglishPortuguesedictionaries.
I opened each one to a page at random and wrote down the page number.
I added the individual numbers together (that's the 34). Then I flipped a coin to see if I should keep it a two digit number or reduce it further by adding the two individual numbers together. Best of 3. Heads won. #7. Then I went to my FB FAN page, opened up the list of cool peeps, and counted up to 7 from the bottom. That's how Victor Warring became the WON!

Drumroll Please ...

2009-12-08T02:00:00.015-07:00

(click the image to enlarge)
To find out how it all happened, scroll UP or click here.

Point Five!

2009-12-07T18:43:00.008-07:00

That's TOMORROW morning!Just getting here? That's okay. There's still time. Scroll down to Giveaway to find out what's happenin'!

Win Free Art In 2.5 days!

2009-12-06T00:28:00.014-07:00

To get in on the action read Giveaway!

Giveaway!

2009-12-04T18:52:00.024-07:00

This GIVEAWAY is exclusively for Organic Pink Lady's FACEBOOK Fans; so all you have to do is become my FAN on Facebook and you'll automatically be entered into the drawing!

If you're already into FB, becoming my FAN is an easy way to keep in touch with my blog entries, new art in my portfolio, new art in my shop, contests, photos, projects (I've got lots of them in the works, some of which might involve YOU), giveaways, shows I might attend ETC. BEST of all though, you'll be able to meet and interact with other cool peeps!

Please invite your friends! The more, the merrier. Once you're on my PAGE you can do that easily by clicking on "suggest to friends" just under the profile picture. If you're not on FB, but you have a friend or acquaintance you know would love my art, and to be a part of this fun GIVEAWAY, please send them this link: http://www.facebook.com/organicpinklady. It takes them to my FB page. Or you can use this link http://organicpinklady.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway.html and send them to this entry.

Oh Right! Want to know what you might win? Visit my ART SHOP and start deciding! The winner could be YOU! You know, if you wanted to give the gift to someone else, you could do that. I'll even send it to them, if you'd like!

Feeling left out hey-no-fair-just-cuz-i'm-not-on-fb? No worries ... I'm going to have a giveaway for Newsletter Subscribers too. Yes, you can be on FB with me AND sign up for The Newsletter! Why not! More chances of winning that way! And you'll get different news and fun treats anyway!

So WHY am I just giving away art? Because I want to build my online community. Because I seriously want to give something to somebody. That's mostly why I make art in the first place, for you. And also because hey, December is my birthday month and I like December.

Improv Everywhere

2009-11-22T22:40:00.027-07:00

I've lost track of the number of times I've had an idea to do something funny and/or silly in public, always prefaced by "If I were an actor I would ..."

Here is a group of peeps, Improv Everywhere, who's really doing it, spreading joy and silliness, nudging people out of their habitual slumber, worldwide. I love the ridiculousness they get up to. Maybe I'll get to join them on "a mission" one day. That's what they call their antics, missions. Below is one of my favorites.

Read details, see photos and watch it again here.

I haven't watched them ALL but I do have a few favorites: Frozen Grand Central, Cell Phone Symphony, Human Mirror, Slo-Mo Home Depot, The Mp3 Experiements ... the list goes on ... endless hours of entertainment!

See if you get a laugh outta yourself. And maybe you'll even find a soft spot in your heart for our fellow humanoids. I certainly have a big SS for us.

Make sure you don't miss The No Pants! Subway Ride to see what seems to be becoming their global signature mission! Maybe you can get in on the action wherever you live!

Bold Beauties! added to the Art Shop

2009-11-13T17:03:00.026-07:00

These cards have just been added to Organic Pink Lady's Art Shop. They're even awesomer in person!

Look for these cards, amongst many more, in the Art Shop too! What fun! I hope you like them.I have a friend sending out Thanksgiving cards! What a great idea! Maybe you'd like to, too!

Did you know that

2009-11-10T22:57:00.018-07:00

or that
or that
or thatThere are many more interesting facts to learn, accompanied by these funny drawings!Learn Something EverydayWhat a fun design project!

Well Hello Again Summer?!

2009-11-06T20:59:00.010-07:00

My potted flowers are trying to bloom again! What a lovely springie feeling in the midst of November. No doubt more of last week is just around the corner though. Well, here's to enjoying it while we can, this whole global warming climate change wackie weather on Planet Earth!

Shroomin' Trip

2009-11-04T13:24:00.035-07:00

In my hood lives a knowledgeable enthusiast. He knows all about mushrooms, including where to find what, when, and how. He has taken a few of us on mini field trips to collect them. Since I happened to be in the loop this summer, another neighbor asked me to let her know when the next trip would be. When the time came, this is how I let her know:I quite enjoyed this little invite, so I took a quick photo before delivering it under her wind shield wiper. Truthfully, I don't actually like mushrooms all that much, but it is such wonderfulness to sit in the grass, under massive trees, chatting quietly with friends, while scraping dirt off the spongy things, before plopping them into a canvas bag. And yes, I am talking about mushrooms of the sauteing variety!

Yup. It's official.

2009-10-28T20:03:00.019-06:00

Winter!That's the view from my studio window. I'm thinking about a season in the kitchen. A season of music & dancing with friends. A season of painting and making things. Maybe even a season of learning to use my 1970's sewing machine. I really want to learn to make clothes, like costumes! It's already a new year, did you know that? October 22nd was the beginning of the Spiritual New Year. This year is the Year of Creativity and oh baby, I'm excited! Let's do it, make it, sing it, learn it, dream it into this world, this world! The time is now. Want a ride? I have a sleigh! Lets go to the stars for it all! And bring it all the way back here to share!

Doesn't she?

2009-07-14T22:42:00.005-06:00

This lady so has a story, doesn't she? Do you see it? Can you hear it? Will you tell it? <3

Have you SEEN this?

2009-01-23T11:59:00.009-07:00

Willard Wigan makes art so teeny one needs a microscope to see it! Charlie Chaplin dancing on the end of an eyelash? Yup, that's pretty teeny. The tail, of the elephant made from the fragment of a grain of sand, is a dust particle plucked from the air! Sometimes mere static moves the pieces. Find out what happened to Alice of Wonderland, what he uses as a paintbrush and what he answered when asked if he enjoys what he does! To hear him speak a bit more, about how he works in between heart beats, for example, watch this interview as well. All very amusing and interesting.

Does Nothing exist?

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It's a brand new daaay!!

2009-01-21T23:54:00.010-07:00

I opened my curtains a little wider this morning, to let the sunlight and warmth shine in deeper. It feels peaceful and vibrant, all at the same time.

So where were YOU yesterday? I was in a ski class! I bowed out, along with another classmate, and caught the "I do solemnly swear" part and the speech. You know it's gotta be super important for me to bow out of my ski class!! The sky was immensely and intensely blue. There was not EVEN a whisper of a breeze.

And today? I'm buzzing with joy, hope and good feelings. Here's to all of our journeys, up the big mountain!

mOOn festival

2008-09-15T18:17:00.013-06:00

Isn't it positively dreamy that there is a mOOn festival on this planet? It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month which this year was the 14th of September. On that night, I happened to go out for a stroll in my hood, turned a corner, and was completely awe struck by the mOOn. It was low, immense and superbly full bellied. At the time, I didn't realize that it was the same mOOn being celebrated all over the planet.

The mOOn festival is an East Asian tradition which originated in China, centuries ago. At this time, people gather to gaze at the bright harvest mOOn, sing mOOn poems and eat mOOn cakes & pomeloes together, amongst lanterns. Really! As if the mere idea of the mOOn festival weren't poetry enough.

No wonder the mOOn amazed me more deeply than usual that night. It had been, and was being, infused with our reflection, celebration, awe and love! I hope you have a chance to go for a mOON stroll. Soak up some of those leftover love beams still glowing and reflect some back from your full heart, to all those you love. I'll see you in the mOOn ...

Clutters of Petals

2008-09-05T13:52:00.009-06:00

IF's theme of the week is 'clutter'. I guess these petals aren't really clutter. Clutter has a somewhat negative connotation, conjuring up images of disorder and confusion, the objects demoted to junk. These petals are not quite that, but I really want to contribute to IF, so we'll say clutters of petals are like clusters of petals!

Some people have all the talent!

2008-09-03T13:55:00.009-06:00

This is highly entertaining. I loved traveling with her! My favorite is the one right at the end. Very clever. You'll see.

Our Popoja ...

2008-09-02T11:27:00.021-06:00

Can you see my yogurt in the 'fridge' ?
I'm back! I bowed out to go spend a few days with dear friends. We met in a canyon, in Wyoming, and camped along the banks of the Popo Agie (say poPOja, think Mme Gabor on that last 'ja' part) River! Our days were filled with lots of boulder hopping, waterfalls, lying on rocks, laughing, sleeping under millions of stars, hiking with kids and petroglyphs even! FAB perfection!

Are you seeing umm ...

2008-08-26T11:16:00.061-06:00

FACES!
All over the PLACES?
Some people are! Some people see hearts, some people see faces. What have YOU been seeing lately?
I found these on Flickr, a photo sharing site. It's where I house my PORTFOLIO too. You can visit more of these 'found peeps'. Aren't they great?! The watermelon came from here. The tree from here. The iron, (did you even know what that was?!), chair, grater and can came from here. And the mushroom, from here.

When I was perusing the many more photos at the sites linked above, I couldn't quite see the "face" in some of them right away. As I waited, the image seemed to become animated, from an object into a being, right before my very eyes! What a life!

Veronika, Katarina, Giselle & Mariana

2008-08-22T10:26:00.054-06:00

Where do you suppose these four are going?! To a picnic tea party in a garden? A walk in the woods? A bici ride along the river? You KNOW they all have baskets on their rides! And joy. And lots of laughter together!

As if it were an Assignment

2008-08-20T23:49:00.044-06:00

No matter how late in the season,
late in the day,
late in your life,
Walk outside and water your garden
Deadhead your petunias
Make room for blossoms.

No matter how long you have neglected Life,
days or decades,
Return.
Begin again.
Take the step across the threshold and stay out there for a while,
As if it were an assignment.
Don't come in until the day is done.
This is what I experienced today.

DNC in the hood!

2008-08-18T12:47:00.009-06:00

As Denver is gearing up for the Democratic National Convention happening next week, I thought I'd share this funny video with you. I put my name in the pot to attend Obama's acceptance speech on the final night of the convention but I'm like umm 1000000000000000th on the WAIT list! So that means, off to the local theater we'll skip! Enjoy the video, Obama stotting like a gazelle before he flies over the rainbow on a unicorn is way too good ...

Organic Pink Lady is ...

2008-08-17T13:33:00.016-06:00

TWITTERING! Certainly you were WONDERING what I was up to, right? Well, now you need not wonder any longer. Twitter makes it easy for me to let you in on all the fun one-liner details, right here on this blogspot. See it up there on the right sidebar? Yeah, it's a little like stalking, you might say, but in a fun, curious, connecting sort of way. Leave me comments anytime!

Faboo!

2008-08-14T10:38:00.020-06:00

"Scarlet Butterfly"

This painting was titled by Bethany Sandvick, author of an awesome blog, "Nobody Listens to the Blonde", but we do, and you should, because she has really good things to say and she says, writes, them soo well!

I'm working on a post about a solar powered project I recently completed! In the meantime, here's a photo of a new painting. I'm finding the colors quite FAB! What do you think? I wish you could see these paintings I've been showing you in person, they're soo much more delightful and yummy!

A new series! Bellied Vessels

2008-08-07T15:06:00.017-06:00

Can you see White White milk in these? What else do you see?

... is going to Japan!

2008-08-07T15:03:00.027-06:00

Once I call the number, wrap it up, put it in Pimi's basket and send it off, my little camera will be on its way to Dr.Japan! Too bad I don't fit inside it, we could both go!! I do hope the procedure is quick, easy and affordable. You heard it was broken, right? In the meantime ... I'm happy to thank Ryan, who so generously lent me his own camera, so that I can, finally, at least show you some new paintings! With all my <3, thank you, Ryan!

Ela-Phantasic!

2008-06-11T20:58:00.011-06:00

When I saw this, I almost dropped everything to rethink art, creativity, self and the universe! But then I realized, 'Oh, right, they're probably trained. Like most art students!' Still, we knew they had good memories, but who knew elephants could have such amazing eye/trunk coordination, 2D spacial dexterity and grace. Watch her go over a brush stroke to make the line darker. Ela-Phantasic!

Growing Things

2008-06-02T15:30:00.016-06:00

I've always wanted to grow things. Flowers, vegetables. Each year I get a little closer. One year I bought soil. Another year I got seeds. It's never quite come together though. Mainly because I thought I needed to study lots. Know things. How far apart do they need to be? I need to start the seeds inside first? When? Cover them in a plastic bag? I have to get special soil? And compost? With WHAT in it? Then I need to fertilize them? Is that natural and organic? And feed them plant food? Don't I need to plant certain ones together so they help each other fend against insects and such? And they get diseases? My oh my. It can become complex, this growing things business.

Last summer I gave a friend a packet of several different seeds. He scattered them in a barrel (because what else was he going to do with the packet of seeds I gave him?) that happened to be in his back yard and they grew!! Into big beautiful vibrant flowers!! He didn't EVEN care how deep the seeds were supposed to be buried! He said "Nah, you just put seeds in the earth and they grow."

So this year, I've decided I can try to transplant some flowers into pots and see how they/I do. I didn't start them from seed but here they are, already beautifying my porch, making me so pleased. Most of these sweet things will be planted in hanging baskets ... because deer live in my hood and they eat EVERYTHING they can reach! I also couldn't resist a Basil, Poblano Pepper and Sandia Pepper plantie. Yes, I'll put pebbles in the bottom for good drainage. Ha Ha ah. Happy planting to me!

Tobi

2008-03-28T15:23:00.015-06:00

Well, it happened. Tobi, my computer, has passed on. No, I had nothing backed up. Yes, I took it to data doctors and it's even too late for surgery. Alas, I'll spare you the list of all things lost and the spiritual wondering which ensured ... suffice to say it's all gone. 7 years worth. I will say a couple of things though. The saddest loss is my personal photos. No amount of time or rework can replace those. And, I know you've heard it before, so do back it all up. Perhaps you don't really know how (What? Do I drag every email address onto a black screen?). Ask somebody. Google it. Go to the external hard drive store. It's too late for me but yooo ... it's not to late for you! Unless, of course, you enjoy, or feel you need to be dragged through, a hardy dose of change. By the way, my camera is broken as is my scanner! How can I show you all my new work? This, I must figure out!

Isn't It Always Sunny?

2008-03-23T13:36:00.022-06:00

Happy
Chocolate Covered In Assorted Colored Tin Foil, Sometimes Lying In Fake Grass In A Basket
Day!

A day in the Garden

2008-03-10T19:08:00.013-06:00

I have a huge collection of drawings and illustrations I painted while I lived in a 'cave' at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado. I still live in Colorado, and in Boulder, but now in a mint green hut. At the time though, I lived in the basement of a very old house, near the top of a hill, where rent was cheap, I had lots of space, my own entrance and no heat. The front door opened right into my studio where evening after evening, for months, I painted one painting after another. I filled numerous tiny notebooks during that time and reproduced a lot of them as notecards, postcards and prints. You can see 12 of the 112 designs, printed as notecards, in my shop right now. Hope you enjoy!

Didja Leap?

2008-02-29T23:47:00.037-07:00

Leaps and Hounds
You'll surely want to now! The above collage is by Scrapatorium. I really enjoy her work. She even gives an exercise or two to try. See all those 'portfolios' on the left hand side of her site? Oh, peruse them!

King Lines

2008-02-28T18:52:00.037-07:00

"The line that's just calling out to you, beckoning to be climbed. That's the king line."
I don't really know why, but before I begin, I feel the need to let you know that I'm no rock climber. I've climbed three times, the same day, the same rock. I've heard myself say that it was the scariest thing I've ever done. I'm not sure if that's entirely true, but it very well could be. Every cell from the top of my head to the bottoms of my feet was shaking. And yes, it was also thrilling, to survive. I was literally clinging to the rock by sheer friction. I say all this, yet one of the most memorable films I've seen in the past couple of years was a climbing film by Peter Mortimer. It was called Return2Sender. It was a little caffeinated and CooCooBananas, but in an entertaining and inspiring sort of way. There was a super doggie climber and an amazing 10 year old girl climber in it; and did you know climbers use their elbows to wedge themselves in cracks in the rock?!

Last week was the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) and Peter Mortimer showed a new film titled King Lines. I'm not about to write a film review, but I'm still inspired by Chris Sharma who came onto the climbing scene as a young teenager and zipped up some crazy hard routes with which experienced climbers were struggling. He's now 26 years old and has been at it for just over a decade. King Lines documents his quest to find the world's most difficult and beautiful LINE. Sharma mentions beauty many times. That's part of what makes his person interesting to me. He isn't just a climber, even though that is who he is, all of what he does. This quote, from the article linked below, says it well, "The struggle crushes many, weeding out the strong-fingered charlatans from the lifers." Lifers, an interesting distinction. Sharma was at the showing of King Lines in person and answered a few questions after the film. He's definitely a 'Lifer'. Even if you're not able to catch the film in your part of the world, you can get a sense of his being, and perhaps be inspired by watching this short video or reading this good long interview with him. Both are excellent.

As is the film ... superb cinematography and good balance between words, climbing scenes and story.

Bubble, In Your Face

2008-02-22T19:37:00.036-07:00

If I came face to face with this in a magazine, I'd be quite amused! It's an ad for Arcor Bubble gum. I like it! The other reason this caught my eye was that it was designed by Leo Burnett in Sao Paulo. Well, Sao Paulo happens to be the city in which I was born and grew up. I'll be posting some good photos of Sampa sometime soon, but for now, you can see a small photo on the side bar, on the right. Anyway, I figured Leo Burnett was a designer in SP, so I googled his name to find out more. Well, friends, Leo Burnett is a huge design company with branches all over our world. Maybe you already knew that. Not me though. So yes, the Arcor ad was more than likely designed by a, or a few, Brazilian designers in SP. Their main site is definitely worth checking out. The work really IS superbly creative. Plus, where else can you draw and surf elegantly at the same time? Make sure to find and click on the teeny red apples too!

Peg Pencil

2008-02-17T16:03:00.011-07:00

And now, for something ... completely different. The coolest mechanical pencil I've ever seen. I wonder how comfy it is between the fingers. It looks like it could be quite. Functional, elegant, creative and unique ... this fabulousness was designed by Yuta Watanabe. A Japanese designer who also studied in London. See more of his product design here.

Today is ...

2008-02-14T12:22:00.014-07:00

and
day!
As it is everyday. They're both all over the place!
in a bottle of sunscreen
as a seed pod
on a sidewalk
a smeared locker
even in a tree stump
although that one had to be pointed out to me ... twice! MyDar and I were walking someplace when of a sudden he pulled me back in order to stop and show me something. Something on the ground. I said, "What, a stump, it was once a tree" and attempted to keep walking! Really, I really said that. It was soon hilarious to me (& to him) as he looked at me in disbelief! Then I saw it, it was a HEART! One of those things I see and point out all the time! Here's to hoping your life today and everyday is filled with love, of the most fabulous variety to you. May you see and enjoy your life, as there is love and there are hearts all over this land and in our own and shared inner lands as well. Really! Tons of LOVE! Happy Love day.

Bring all your friends!

2008-02-13T12:46:00.020-07:00

Cakes are funny to me. They're colorful and sweet and we always wonder what the inside looks, feels and tastes like too. I haven't met anyone who accepts a piece of cake like they do, say, the salt shaker. 'Oh yeah, thanks.' nah. I've seen a piece of cake be rejected, but even then, it's not turned down like the salt shaker might be. nah. There's usually a twinge of drama, the decision and experience layered with story.

Life is often humourous to me. Imagining and painting cakes has made me laugh, and joyous.

Bring all your friends! We're having cake!

Stacks o'

2008-02-08T11:06:00.002-07:00

Stack o' crackers.
Stack o' paintings.
Stack o' papers. Pile o' clothes. Stack o' magazines. Pile o' leaves. Some things are piled, some things are stacked.

There's something aesthetically and conceptually interesting to me about things stacked on top of other things. There will be more stacks o' paintings and paintings o' stacks coming soon. See just a few here right now.

Is it Time for Cake Yet?

2008-02-04T14:46:00.003-07:00

Well, it's February. I think it very well could be. Time. For Cake. Right now. I added a few more paintings to my portfolio. Check 'em out. I'll be adding more this week. Really, THIS week! I know, I've been away from my Blog for a while. I'm on my way back with some Cakes, Stacks, and maybe some more cakes!

BRIGADEIROS!

2007-12-01T14:55:00.001-07:00

No birthday is complete without them! They're Brazilian sweets. Say BRI.GA.DEI.ROS, and curl your r's if you can. The bobbles sticking up out of them in the photo above are not traditional but the sprinkles (also called brigadeiros) are. As well as the tiny paper cups they're in. I say all that, but if you're like Adriana and me in 8th or 9th grade ... well ... you can just make them and eat them right out of the pan while sitting on the kitchen counter after school before going out to the club ;) Yes, the ones you see above, I made for my friend Erica's birthday not long ago. A few people asked me for the recipe, as well as 'what?! are they called again?' so here it is for you all with love:

BRIGADEIROS

Ingredients:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 Tablespoon butter
2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder or Hot Chocolate Powdered mix

Directions:
In a saucepan mix the chocolate powder in with the condensed milk, add the butter. Keep your flame low and be sure to stir constantly until you can see the bottom of the pan. Continue to stir for another few minutes until your wooden spoon parts the gooey river, so to speak, for a couple of seconds. Pour it all onto a plate and let cool completely. If you can, leave them on the counter overnight (covered with a teatowel) as the texture will be better when you form them into the little balls. When you do form the little balls, do butter your hands slightly or you'll be a sticky mess. Roll the balls in brigadeiros (chocolate sprinkles or I think I've heard them called jimmies as well). Place the 'docinhos' (little sweets) in their individual paper cups and Feliz Anniversario! Or Feliz Everything! (Psst! In 11 days it's MY birthday so maybe I'll make them again then :)

Too Hot For Socks

2007-10-30T20:42:00.001-06:00

Well, so much for Halloweenish. Today it's too hot for socks! Especially out at the Pumpkin Patch. There was barely a cloud in the sky. The place was swarming with kids pulling squeakie red wagons piled with pumpkins. There was a donkey, a few bunnies, a corn maze and even those things you put your face in for a photo. I came home with a Great Pumpkin and a pocket full of dried corn kernels I found on the ground in the corn maze. Yeah, I still do that ... wonder about and pick up all sorts of stuff from the ground!

Jack-o-Lina

Trick or Treat

2007-10-27T18:35:00.002-06:00

It's Halloweenish. The moon is just past full, glowing low and yellow through a spooky haze. It's cold. I'm wearing 3 sweaters. Yeah, I have central heating in my hut, but you know, once THAT goes on, that's it till April! Ah, April, can't wait.

I've got the Rockies game on. They're playing the 3rd game of the World Series. I know what this means now. A couple of weeks ago I didn't even know what a league was. Now I know. There are two. That lesson came later though, after a kind fellow explained the basics to me, that the Baseball Season goes through September and if a team is really good, they get to play through October. It was all becoming clearer to me. So the Colorado Rockies won most of the games in their league and the Boston Red Sox won most of the games in their league, now they're playing a series of games, The World Series, you see. I guess by 'World', they mean America. They sure do spit a lot and do all sorts of twitching while they're standing around. And what's with the hankie twirling? Go Rockies!

Here's my little 'trick or treat' contribution for IF this week. Lots o' candy!

Zings!

2007-10-07T01:34:00.005-06:00

Meet 4 of many new additions to my PORTFOLIO.

Paluma
Ah, porque me encanta la pintura ... Ah, what is it about painting. It's all I wanna do these days. One thing is that I never know what's going to happen. Who knew 'not knowing' (and then seeing the results) would be so satisfying. At first I do feel a tinge of wondering if ANYTHING worthwhile will be created. To keep those tinges at bay, I don't stare at blank paper or canvas.

Deki
At the end of a painting session I may have some paint leftover or sometimes I put out a bit more than will stay wet in this Colorado climate so, before it dries or before washing up, I paint as many blank pieces of paper or canvas as I can with whatever color I happen to have on hand. This means that before I even start painting next time, I've already started!

Jeshka
I rarely give my mind a chance to ask 'What are you going to do now? What are you going to paint?'... I just put color to canvas. Usually a shape happens. And then the dance begins. One form and/or color informing/transforming another. It's Fabulous Fun Problem Solving! I do work on several, perhaps 4 or 5, pieces at a time and I go back and forth between them so as not to get too 'worried' about where any of them are 'going'.

Monique
I don't stop until something about them zings. That's (one of) what it is about painting. Hope you enjoy my recently updated PORTFOLIO.

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The Sunrise Ruby

2007-10-05T15:57:00.002-06:00

Rumi, On Being a Lover (by Coleman Barks)
Being a lover is close to being a worker. When the ruby becomes the sunrise, its transparency changes to a daily discipline. There's a story about a sufi who rips his robe and gives it the name faraji, which means "ripped open" or "happiness" or "one who brings the joy of being opened." Peace and compassion come as coverings are thrown open and the streaming beauty of emotion flows through the lover-worker.

THE SUNRISE RUBY by Rumi (translation by Coleman Barks)
In the early morning hour,
just before dawn, lover and beloved wake
and take a drink of water.

She asks, "Do you love me or yourself more?
Really, tell me the absolute truth."

He says, "There's nothing left of me.
I'm like a ruby held up to the sunrise.
Is it still a stone, or a world
made of redness? It has no resistance
to sunlight."

This is how Hallaj said, I am God,
and told the truth!

The ruby and the sunrise are one.
Be courageous and discipline yourself.

Completely become hearing and ear,
and wear this sun-ruby as an earring.

Work. Keep digging your well.
Don't think about getting off from work.
Water is there somewhere.

Submit to a daily practice.
Your loyalty to that
is a ring on the door.

Keep knocking, and the joy inside
will eventually open a window
and look out to see who's there.

(OPEN for IF this week)

The Blues, on Vacation!

2007-10-04T01:37:00.004-06:00

The Blues, Visit The Beach
The Blues, Visit an Aquarium
The Blues, Visit Some Yaks
The Blues, Visit Magic Kingdom
Here's my version of 'The Blues' for IF's theme o' the week. I had a good time with these two! Looks like Visiting Magic Kingdom was their favorite. Can you see just how HAPPY they are?!

El Fascinante

2007-09-21T15:52:00.006-06:00

In the last couple of weeks, I met 3 people whose 2nd name is JOY. I've also been messin' about with some paintings, painting out negative shapes to create tree-like forms. This particular painting of a tree looked strange perhaps, but a tree to me none-the-less ... until a couple of days later when I happened to catch a glimpse of it and noticed it was a man with a pointy nose wearing a hat and a long robe like dress with a band around his waist! And he was doing some sort of magical entertaining! I was astounded. I couldn't have created him if I'd tried! Within a short time of that painting I found out that an acquaintance friend of mine is also a 'Fire Dancer'. Then, I happened upon a new friend whose band is named 'Juggler' and on his site he has lots of fabulous clown and circus themed art. Then I was invited by another friend to join her for dinner at her house. As it turns out, she's a professional clown, jester and magician! Elf too, I think. Yes, I was wondering what it all meant! In any case, Friday morning came along and I was excited to find out what IF's new theme was for the week. Wouldn't you know it was ... JUGGLER. I just had to smile and laugh. So here's my juggler-themed-contribution.PS. Even my tea bag this morning had something to say!

Meet Pink Miyata!

2007-09-13T23:50:00.005-06:00

Pimi for short. Yup, today I traded my cycling shoes for flip flops, my jersey for a flowy top and took my helmet off. Yeah, I know, I'll put it back on. I didn't even wear sunscreen today, wild woman that I am! It was super cloudy.

You know what my favorite part of Pimi is? Well, after her frosty pink icecream color and her HK bell, and her coolest flashlight light, and her beautiful basket ... her kickstand. Kickstands are great. I don't need a pole or a tree, a building or a car or even a friend ... although friends are nice, so are trees. Anyway, I can stand her up just like that, in the air. I like having that option.

Riding around town is good. I seek out the quieter side streets and have to think about where I am and where I am going in a different way than when I am driving. I have to consider which side of the street I'm on, where it is that I am going and where it might be best to cross over. I also love that bicycling is powered by carrots and collard greens, or, well, as in my case today, cookies ; )

Magnificent

2007-09-10T22:30:00.001-06:00

My friends, Carol and Arthur Lee Land, showed me this the other day. Absolutely incredible. I hope you enjoy!

Cloudcroft

2007-08-27T00:11:00.009-06:00

Oh Southern New Mexico, so rainy, so cloudy, so woodsy 'n wet. "New Mexico?"
Yes! If you drive four hours in the scorching desert south of Albuquerque and climb a sandy dry mountain speckled with low 'bobble' bushes, then way at the top, you'll come to a little place named Cloudcroft! Not long ago, I packed the car up with canvas, paper, tubs of paint, water buckets & my bike, of course (which I never got to ride because I was in CLOUDcroft where it RAINS every afternoon). I spent a week there studying

with successful, generous and superby inspiring artist, Robert Burridge. Since I've been back ... all I want to do is paint! That just says it ALL about a teacher, doesn't it! A couple of nights ago I didn't even want to go to sleep because that meant too many hours before I could paint again! Lil Ms Artist has been revived! If you visit his site, consider signing up for his Artsy Fartsy Newsletter, 'tis fab!

The Weddin' Tree

2007-05-09T20:52:00.012-06:00

Serving myself chocolate for breakfast, letting lady bugs land on me while lying in an embroidered hammock strung between cottonwood trees, noticing rainbows and going on bike rides … is that all you think I’ve been up to since OrganicPinkLady.com still isn’t functional, a full month after my self imposed deadline?! Nooo … not all! To work is a beautiful thing, to art-work that is, and nothing tops making art for wonderful people who have special projects in mind. The photo above is of one of my latest such projects. It is, as of today, on its way to Ireland, a wedding gift for nephew #1 of 40, of an Irishman named Jim. Can you make out any of the words within the tree? The poem surrounding the Weddin’ (that’s the Irish way of saying wedding) Tree is by Jim himself. He asked me to design something celebratory while still serious, as it is a wedding wish after all, from Uncle #6 of 9, no less!

Forms, Numbers and Taxes, Oh My!

2007-04-02T22:32:00.002-06:00

After at least 16 hours of research, I finally came to the sure conclusion that a “Tax ID number” is NOT the same as an “EIN number”! Really. And after 3 hours of meticulously going over the application form for a “Sales Tax ID number” which is the same as a “Tax ID number” which is not the same as a “Federal Tax ID number” (which is the same as an EIN number, maybe) which is the same as a “Sellers Permit” which is also the same as a “Resellers License”, I drove to Denver to exchange a wad of cash for a short string of special numbers, which allows me to collect sales tax and then give it to The Man when he comes-a-knockin’.

By this time, I had wised up to the fact that it’s not all designed to make sense, so it didn’t take me very long to, if not understand, accept, that even though the form I was filling out said “Business Registration Form” I was not Registering a Business by filling it out but requesting a Sales Tax ID number! As it turns out, Registering a Business is yet another situation, which may or may not be the same as Registering a Trade Name, which is completely different from Registering a Trade Mark. I do at this point feel fairy confident that applying for a Business License is something else entirely. Oh, and NONE of this even begins to address Income Tax! Did you know that? Oh, the fascinating things I’ve spent hours, days and weeks now, trying to make sense of!

It was a cool, sunny, beautiful day. I had precise directions and was delighted to find myself right downtown, near the Capitol Building, Art Museum and Public Library. I found parking one street over and had just enough change to feed the parking meter for an hour. I went in, clarified a few details (see above), paid my fee and was back at my car with 3 minutes to spare, special numbers in hand. Leaving the building, I felt a straightening, a scintillating Yes, and Thank You.

The sky was clear and blue. The breeze felt fabulously refreshing and OrganicPinkLady.com is another step closer to being Open for Business!

Sign Up for OPL's Monthly News!

2007-04-01T12:26:00.005-06:00

It'll be short & sweet. Letters are generally published monthly unless there's a contest or sale I don't want you to miss out on :)